Autism Assessment
About
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference characterised by a unique way of processing information, perceiving the world, and interacting with others. People seek autism assessments for many reasons. For some, it is about gaining clarity and self-understanding; for others, it is about accessing necessary supports, securing the best educational opportunities, or making sense of lifelong experiences.
CapacityPlus autism assessments are comprehensive and evidence-based, using gold-standard diagnostic tools in a neuroaffirming way that respects your identity, communication style, strengths, and preferences. Our warm and professional clinicians will guide you through an assessment process that explores how your brain processes information, identifies your unique strengths and support needs, and considers whether your profile is consistent with autism.
Why Choose an Autism Assessment
An autism assessment may be suitable if you or your child:
- Have experienced ongoing differences in social communication, relationships, or interaction patterns
- Find change, uncertainty, or transitions particularly challenging
- Experience differences in processing sensory information (for example, heightened sensitivity or reduced awareness of noise, light, textures, or busy environments)
- Have strong or focused interests, routines, or ways of thinking that feel different from those around you
- Feel emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted by everyday demands
- Have a history of feeling “different,” misunderstood, or out of step with peers
- Are seeking clarity after previous assessments or diagnoses that did not fully explain your experiences
- Need formal documentation to access educational, workplace, disability, or community supports
An autism assessment can help you:
- Understand yourself and your identity — gain self-knowledge and self-compassion, particularly if you have experienced lifelong differences in social communication, sensory processing, thinking style, or behaviour
- Explore a diagnosis — understand whether your pattern of longstanding strengths, differences, and support needs is consistent with autism
- Clarify previous uncertainty — resolve diagnostic confusion when earlier assessments or explanations were inconclusive, incomplete, or did not answer your questions
- Identify co-occurring conditions — differentiate autism from, or recognise co-occurring conditions alongside, ADHD, intellectual disability, learning disorders, anxiety, mood conditions, and trauma-related difficulties
- Access appropriate supports and funding — obtain the assessments and documentation needed to apply for disability support through the NDIS, Disability Support Pension (DSP), carer’s allowance, or school-related support services
- Plan tailored intervention and support — guide therapy, intervention, and support planning that is designed for your neurodevelopmental profile, strengths, and goals
- Find the right educational or vocational setting — make informed decisions about schools, workplaces, or study environments that fit your strengths, communication style, sensory needs, and learning preferences
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during an autism assessment?
Assessments typically take 1.5–2.5 hours and involve conversation and standardised activities designed to understand how you process information, relate to others, and experience the world around you. This includes discussion about your developmental history, interests, sensory experiences, relationships, communication style, and day-to-day life. We guide you throughout the process, and you’ll have breaks as needed. We welcome questions at any time.
What's included in my report and feedback?
After your assessment, we prepare a comprehensive report that explains your results in a way that makes sense to you. The report includes your background information, diagnostic outcome, what the results mean, how this impacts your daily life and functioning, and evidence-based recommendations to support your goals and wellbeing. You’ll receive either a written report or a feedback session (or both) to discuss your results, what they mean for you, and where to go from here.
Where are assessments held?
We offer face-to-face assessments at our offices in Melbourne and Warrnambool, with outreach services available in Geelong and regional Victoria. Face-to-face assessment allows us to observe communication, sensory responses, and interaction patterns directly, which is important for accurate autism assessment. If you have accessibility needs or circumstances that make face-to-face assessment challenging, please contact us to discuss options.
How long does it take to get my results?
It typically takes 4–6 weeks from your assessment to receive your written report. This allows us to review all available information carefully, thoroughly consider the diagnostic criteria, and develop recommendations tailored to your unique situation and strengths. If you have a specific deadline or urgent need, please let us know at the time of referral and we’ll do our best to accommodate this.
What are the costs and funding options?
We offer private payment options and accept funding through a range of programs, such as not-for-profit, community, and government organisations. Small Medicare rebates are available for autism assessments in limited circumstances. Please discuss your funding options with your health care team, or with our team when arranging your assessment.
Can I access an autism assessment with NDIS funding?
CapacityPlus offers specially tailored assessments for NDIS participants who may have autism. Our assessments are designed to support your NDIS goals and planning, and our team can liaise directly with your NDIS planner or coordinator. Contact our team or visit our NDIS page for more information.